Retrain Your Brain: A Gentle Beginning on the Path to Freedom from OCD
You’re not alone in this. Whether you’re living with obsessive-compulsive behaviors, intrusive thoughts, hoarding tendencies, or anxiety tied to OCD — or trying to support someone you love who is — I’m here to help you take that first compassionate step toward relief.
What Is OCD — and How Common Is It?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves cycles of obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts, urges, or images) and compulsions (behaviors or mental acts to reduce the distress those thoughts cause). When these cycles take up a lot of time, interfere with daily life, or cause significant distress, that is when OCD becomes a clinical concern.
Here are some key statistics about OCD in the U.S.:
About 1.2% of U.S. adults experience OCD in a given year. National Institute of Mental Health+2ScienceDirect+2
Over a lifetime, roughly 2.3% of adults will meet criteria for OCD. ScienceDirect+3National Institute of Mental Health+3blog.zencare.co+3
Among those with OCD in the past year:
~50.6% reported serious impairment
~34.8% had moderate impairment
~14.6% had mild impairment National Institute of Mental Health
It’s estimated that 1 in 40 adults (in the U.S.) will develop OCD at some point — that translates to millions of people. NOCD+3International OCD Foundation+3blog.zencare.co+3
OCD often begins in adolescence or early adulthood; about half the people with OCD begin to show symptoms before adulthood. Cleveland Clinic+2blog.zencare.co+2
It’s uncommon for OCD to first appear after age 40. Cleveland Clinic+2Medical News Today+2
These numbers reflect that OCD is not rare — and the level of impairment shows how deeply it can affect everyday life. But the good news: change is possible, and you don’t have to face this alone.
Why I Offer Workshops (and Why They Matter)
In my experience, one of the biggest barriers is simply feeling stuck, isolated, or unsure where to start. That’s why I created workshops specifically for:
Individuals with OCD — to deepen your understanding of how OCD works in your brain and body, and to begin learning tools you can use with guidance
Family members & supporters — to help you learn how OCD presents, how to respond in helpful ways, and how to support your loved one’s recovery
Here’s what the format looks like:
90-minute workshop — We dive into understanding OCD: what keeps it going, how it shows up differently for each person, and evidence-based strategies that can help you shift your responses.
30-minute Q&A / coaching time — This part is just for you. Ask your questions, get personalized guidance, and begin applying insights to your situation.
The goal is not to overwhelm you, but to provide a safe, supportive space where you can realize you are not alone, begin to retrain your brain, and take manageable steps forward.
Taking That First Gentle Step
If any of this resonates — whether you’re experiencing OCD yourself or supporting someone who is — I encourage you to consider:
Joining a workshop to get education, community, and concrete strategies
Reaching out for support (professional or peer) to help you stay motivated and supported
Being kind to yourself — change takes time, and small shifts are still progress
OCD doesn’t have to define your life. Together, we can explore how to gently challenge its grip and build a path toward more peace and flexibility.